As a large state, Texas offers many in-person and online schools.
Despite an overall low cost of living, the cost of college in Texas can vary significantly depending on whether you choose a private or public school.
There are many scholarships for college students in Texas available.
There are hundreds of colleges to choose from in Texas — which makes sense considering it's the second largest state in the United States.
But the number of colleges in Texas isn't its only appeal. For many students, the lower-than-average cost of living makes attending college in Texas a no-brainer. But don't worry. Even if you can't attend college there in person, you can choose from a large number of online colleges in Texas, too.
Keep reading to see how the best colleges in Texas stack up to meet your needs, and decide for yourself whether studying in the Lone Star State is right for you.
Featured Online Programs
10 Best Schools in Texas
List of All Colleges in Texas
We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Texas. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Schools with fewer than 500 undergrads were excluded from this list.
What Is the Cost of Attending College in Texas?
The cost of attending college in Texas depends on many factors, including whether you choose a private or public school. The average cost of tuition and fees in Texas can range anywhere from $2,828 for a public two-year program all the way up to $37,450 for a four-year private school.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (In-State) | $8,016 |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $25,471 |
| Private 4-Year | $37,450 |
| Public 2-Year (In-State) | $2,828 |
| Public 2-Year (Out-of-State) | $7,764 |
Scholarships for Students in Texas
College is expensive, but there are ways to make it more accessible for you. In fact, Texas has a variety of scholarships available just for Texas students. Check out the three following scholarships for Texas students:
American Legion Auxiliary: This $500 scholarship is available to Texas residents who are direct descendants of veterans who served in World War I or any other war after 1941.
George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation: Each year, 70 scholarships are awarded to high school seniors in specific Texas counties. Worth $20,000, the award is given out based on grades and financial need.
Don't Mess With Texas Scholarship: This scholarship worth $2,000 or $5,000 is awarded to high school seniors who've fought litter in their communities and plan to attend an accredited college in Texas.
10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas
After college, you can choose to work in a variety of fast-growing fields in Texas or apply your skills in another state. If you seek one of the highest-paying jobs in Texas, you may want to plan your major around one of the following areas, most of which are in the medical field.
The 10 jobs listed below earn the highest salaries in Texas.
| Job | Annual Mean Wage (2022) |
|---|---|
| Cardiologists | $413,510 |
| Pediatric Surgeons | $365,130 |
| Ophthalmologists | $338,400 |
| Surgeons | $331,980 |
| Chief Executives | $341,060 |
| Anesthesiologists | $298,710 |
| Radiologists | $297,320 |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $294,250 |
| Physicians | $276,750 |
| Pediatricians | $250,850 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Texas
The "best" college depends largely on your goals and preferences, but top colleges in Texas include Rice University, UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Texas Christian University. These schools all provide top-quality degree programs and offer the chance to network in many industries and businesses in Texas.